Public review urged for Muskrat Falls link

The hydroelectric project would be at this site in Labrador.(Reuters/Greg Locke)

Nova Scotia’s consumer advocate is calling for a public review of the Muskrat Falls power link to the province, but the premier says it’s not necessary.

The hydroelectric project includes an underwater cable from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia, which is expected to cost more than $ 1.2 billion. Construction is expected to begin in 2014 and conclude in 2017.

Nova Scotia Power Ltd. is entitled to more than a nine-per-cent return on its investment, and some people worry that the high cost of building the undersea link will ultimately drive up electricity rates.

Consumer advocate John Merrick said a review is needed to determine whether it’s the best deal for the province.

“This is a responsibility of government to set up a review process that is broad in s…………… continues on CBC.ca